From Bad Boys to Big Boss: Brendan Fehr on Roswell, Kill Me Again and the Video Game of Character

🎙️ In this deep-dive, Brendan Fehr joins the show to share the unprecedented work that went into bringing his character, Charlie, in Kill Me Again, to life. Brendan opens up about the initial struggles of his performing work, landing Roswell right out of the gate, and realizing he was simply relying on instinct, not discipline. He details a pivotal moment when a casting director told him he had "plateaued," a harsh truth that prompted him to seek formal training and understand the true craft of character building. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to move past relying on raw talent and incorporate deep preparation into their profession.

The conversation pivots to the intense psychology of playing a serial killer. Brendan discusses the crucial backstory and emotional levels he developed for Charlie, using a video game analogy where the killer is frustrated by constantly getting what he wants. He explains why decisions that seem trivial—like a character's allergies or where they came from just before a scene—are essential to making performances authentic. Brendan asserts that the goal of all this deep work is to ultimately buy yourself the freedom to forget the work when the cameras are rolling and simply be present in the moment.

Finally, the hosts and Brendan discuss the high-stakes logistics of the Kill Me Again shoot. They recount the unique trust Brendan shared with co-star Majandra Delfino, which allowed them to bypass standard set protocols and capture raw chemistry. This is contrasted with the literal "hard out" of filming the movie's most significant plot twist on the very last day of shooting, with the sun rising and time running out. Brendan explains why this performance is one of his personal best and why this independent film, born of sweat and scarcity, is a major career win regardless of its financial success.